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Patty Melts with Secret Sauce Recipe

4.6 from 55 reviews

A classic comfort food favorite, these Patty Melts feature juicy, seasoned beef patties, sweet caramelized onions, and a tangy secret sauce layered between buttery toasted rye bread and melted Swiss cheese. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, this recipe offers a delicious twist on the traditional burger sandwich with its rich flavors and satisfying textures.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Patties:

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 works best)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Onions:

  • 2 medium yellow onions (thinly sliced)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • Pinch of salt

For the Secret Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp finely diced pickles (or relish)
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder

For Assembly:

  • 8 slices rye bread (or sourdough if you prefer)
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese (or cheddar for variation)
  • 2 tbsp butter (softened, for spreading on bread)

Instructions

  1. Make the Caramelized Onions: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter together with 1 teaspoon olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 thinly sliced medium yellow onions and a pinch of salt. Cook the onions, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown and caramelized, which should take about 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
  2. Mix and Cook the Patties: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 pound ground beef with 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Mix well, then divide into four thin patties roughly the shape of your bread slices. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Transfer the patties to a plate and keep warm.
  3. Make the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon finely diced pickles or relish, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder until smooth. Set aside.
  4. Assemble the Patty Melts: Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of rye bread. On the unbuttered side of a bread slice, layer a slice of Swiss cheese, one beef patty, a generous spoonful of the caramelized onions, a spoonful of the secret sauce, then another slice of Swiss cheese. Top with another slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
  5. Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches on the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese has melted. Press gently with a spatula to help meld the sandwich contents together. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • You can substitute rye bread with sourdough for a milder, tangier flavor.
  • Swiss cheese is classic for Patty Melts, but cheddar works great if you prefer a sharper taste.
  • Adjust seasonings in the patty mix according to your taste preferences.
  • If you want extra caramelized onions, cook them longer on low heat for a deeper flavor.
  • Make sure the skillet is hot but not smoking to achieve the perfect crust on the sandwiches without burning.

Keywords: Patty Melt, caramelized onions, secret sauce, beef patties, toasted rye bread, Swiss cheese sandwich, classic American sandwich